If you know me, then you know that I grew up in Kentucky on a horse farm. Well, unless you’re my friend Kristina who thinks I’m from Alabama (hi Kristina!). Anyways, I was also an avid book reader and after I read Misty of Chincoteague, it was my dream to go to this island of wild horses! Last summer I finally fulfilled this dream and plan to return one summer (hopefully summer 2020) to watch the Pony Swim when the horses swim across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island!

The parts of the island we saw were so lovely and being that my dad and I went in late September it was not very crowded. For this reason, if you are deterred by crowds and/or heat I suggest going after summer or possibly during the spring. Speaking of heat, the two trails we walked had not a sliver of shade. I cannot emphasize this enough, bring enough water and any **sun essentials** to include the following:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• hat
• long sleeves/pants for those very susceptible to sunburn
• chapstick
• hair tie for us gals

Also, bring bug spray on these trails, because while my dad avoided any bites, I was bitten several times but those pesky mosquitos! I did not approach these trails well-prepared thinking that the short trail distances, proximity to a breezy beach and the fact that it was the end of summer would mean bearable hiking conditions. I was wrong, it was very hot and while the beach was often in sight, it was a little too far to feel that cooling ocean breeze.

On these trails you can find informative signs, various animal prints (eyes peeled for hoof prints), and if you’re lucky, wildlife such as the ponies wandering the island! Just stay on the trails and be mindful of a few thorny branches reaching for the trail and apparently some poison oak off the trail. And of course, take the time to enjoy the beach!

Like I said, the crowds were thinned out and the view was spectacular. Truly, what a lovely island and east coast treasure! We saw families, couples, dogs and a few surfers enjoying the end of summer. We also noticed that the ocean waves were larger than we usually see at the east coast beaches we are accustomed to in the Carolinas.

And yes, we did see ponies! I saved the best for last! We saw a herd of ponies far off the trails at the edge of the island enjoying the tall grasses sprayed with sea water. They were just close enough to notice their long, uncut manes blowing with the breeze, but far enough that my camera did not capture the magic. Then, we saw two ponies right alongside the main road, eating grass and living their best life!

The ponies were not deterred by the people or the cars. In fact, they never lost focus on their snack time, but the Island does have rules for the safety of the ponies and the humans. When you enter the park you will receive brochures (with helpful maps) and see plenty of quick-to-read signs dictating the simple rule that you remain X number of feet away from the ponies. I’m sorry folks, you cannot ride a bucking bronco here.

We have come to the end of this adventure and I cannot wait to give you more information about this Island. My dad and I only ventured the part of the island within the Maryland state lines. The other half of the island is Virginia, but hear me out, the island belongs to the ponies. As a final note, I suggest reading the book Misty of Chincoteague before going, even though it is a kid’s chapter book, it is a quick read that will give you true facts and a story to inspire your wanderlust!